The Square Road under the Civic Centre (CAB) was reopened November 21 1979, having been closed to traffic since February 1976 when construction of the new Council building began. The building was constructed for the Palmerston North City Council 1976-1980, with Council staff moving in January 1980. It consisted of Council offices, Council Chamber and Convention Centre. The public viewing chamber is at the northern end of the building, overlooking The Square. Published in the Manawatu Standard 22 November 1979